A Meeting with the Brass

Posted on Sun Apr 28th, 2024 @ 7:53pm by General of the MACOs George Casey & Colonel Josiah McEntyre & Commander Saul Whitford & Sub-Commander T'shir & Captain Johnathan Reece & Admiral Guillermo Douglas & Rear-Admiral Ahayla Hunter & Lieutenant General Alyssa Duvall-Cain

2,799 words; about a 14 minute read

Mission: First Deployment
Location: Earth Orbit
Timeline: 24 Hours After the Battle of Sol

The Battle had been costly. In the aftermath of the raid on Earth, Starfleet had learned much about the Romulans capacity to make war.

Josiah stood in front of the mirror in his small washroom in his quarters. In his hands, a MACO dogtag and chain, the name "P. Emerson-Caldwell, Lt. Colonel" stamped upon it and his various bio and medical information.

Emerson had been in Josiah' life since the time he was 18. Inseparable at West Point, meeting on INDOC day. They spent six years at West Point together as roommates, classmates, squadmates. It had been only natural for the two to have fallen in love, marry in secret with only Paul's parents in attendance (for obvious good reason).

Josiah kept the dogtags that were sent to him when Paul bought the farm Four years ago during the Janus Loop Pirate Wars.

He rubbed the surface of the tag with his thumb, a reminder that even the best of the best are not invincible.

Josiah's thoughts were broken by the buzzing of the comm.

He clenched his fist over the tags and put them back in his pocket as he answered the panel.

"Commanding Officer"

The Voice of the Deck Officer spoke.

"Sir, Shuttlepod on approach. Generals Casey, Duvall-Cain and Admiral Douglas aboard sir. They request to see you and the senior command staff."

"Thank you, Yeoman, Tell the flight deck to make ready and have a side party assembled."

Josiah cut the comm as he pressed the all ship intercom button.

"Pass Word to Captain Gunnar, Sub-Commander T'shir and Master Sergeant Reese to report to the flight deck, ASAP."

-----

When word came down about the impending visiting brass, Johnathan jumped into high gear. Motivating his Enlisted personnel to get everything white glove ready, he then went and donned his dress uniform, complete with his chest full of decorations and his cutlass hanging from his left hip.

By the time he was ready, the shuttle bay was ready to recieve the approaching shuttlepod. He took one last look at the honor guard that had been assembled, a small selection of young Enlisted from various departments. Each was smartly dressed in their dress uniforms as well.

-----

T'shir was alerted to attention before the person making the announcement had finished the word "sub-commander." She stopped what she was doing and reported to the flight deck as directed.

By the time the requested officers arrived in the cavernous hanger deck, the docking of the shuttlepod had been completed and an honor guard stood ready.

Josiah stood at the head of the group, having cleaned himself up to a more…presentable standard. Straightening up as the hatch of the pod opens, he nods to the coxswain, who blasts his whistle, bringing the deck to attention. There was protocol and ceremony, even if Josiah thinks this was an impromptu visit to discuss the recent raid on Earth and the Coridan situation.

As soon as the coxswain blew his whistle, Johnathan snapped to attention and called the group of assembled officers and enlisted to attention as well, his deep baritone voice booming in the shuttlebay. "Company, atten-Tion! Arriving, Chief of United Earth Starfleet Operations and Supreme Commander of the United Earth Military Assault Command Orgainzation and Head of MACO SOCOM, and company!"

The first to step off the shuttle was the Commanding General of the MACO, George Casey. He was a African-American man, broad shoulders, and still in shape, even almost into his 70’s. The next was an older hispanic man, gray hair cut in a retro style, glasses rested on his nose. Josiah knew from memory that this was the Chief of Starfleet Operations, Admiral Douglas. The third, a woman, striking in appearance of blonde hair, and a firm physique in MACO Blue BDUs, the same kind that Josiah was wearing himself. Lieutenant General Alyssa Duvall-Cain, Head of MACO SOCOM, Josiah’s direct boss. The Fourth was a bald man, rugged, firm in appearance for a man of 60. His visage was one that had seen action and expected results. General Samuel Jean Razak, Deputy Commander of the MACO, and someone that Josiah had frequently clashed with due to some of Razak’s decision making. A Elderly Vulcan in an Argosy Uniform followed closely behind them. Finally a younger tanned skin woman in a Starfleet’s Admirals uniform, two sets of two bars on her uniform, denoting a Rear Admiral. Josiah did not recognize her, meaning she must be newly promoted.

General Casey was the first to approach the Colonel, who in turn, snaps a quick salute to his friend and mentor before speaking.

"Generals, Admirals, Welcome aboard Unicorn"

Casey nodded, not much for words.

"At ease, Josiah, before you strain something. Didn't expect the whole pomp and circumstance."

Josiah smiles as he nodded

"My new Top Kick is a fan of the protocols. May I introduce my staff"

Josiah replied as he gestures to the assembled.

"My XO, Gunnar Magnusson; My Second Officer, Sub-Commander T'shir; My Top Kick, Master Sergeant Reece."

T'Shir remained at attention while Commander Magnusson responded to the Colonel's introductions. She then took a half step forward and dipped her head slightly in a deferential bow. As she straightened up she looked at the assembled admiralty and stated, "Greetings," before stepping back into line.

When the senior officers stepped in front of Johnathan, he snapped to attention and saluted crisply, and stated the MACO slogan proudly. "Semper Invictus, Sir/Ma'am!", to each one that passed in front of him.

“We need to speak, the situation has become much more complicated”

Casey whispers to Josiah as they greet one another.

“Of course, if you’ll follow the Master Sergeant to the Wardroom”

Josiah gestures towards the deck hatch to enter the ship proper. Most of them heading for it anyways.

“We’ll also need to speak with your Armory Officer as well.” Alyssa Cain spoke up as she moves with the group as the headed down the corridor.

“I’ll see he’s available.”

Josiah turned to the yeoman following him.

“Yeoman, send for Mr. Whitford with my compliments and have him report to the Wardroom, ASAP”

The yeoman nods.

“Mr. Whitford to the Wardroom, Aye, Sir!”

Josiah turns his attention back to the group before stopping at the turbolift, waiting for it to arrive..

'Colonel,' Douglas nodded his head in the direction of the MACO CO. He had reflected that it was an unusual situation that a MACO officer had been given command of one of United Earth's premier starships, but he had held his counsel. After all, these are unusual times.

'May I introduce you to Rear-Admiral Rachel Hunter? Newly promoted. Commander of Task Force: Gamma,' his tone was low and confident. He spoke in a clipped manner, accustomed to people listening to him and, where necessary, obeying.

Hunter for her part flashed a smile, and snapped off a quick salute. 'Always good to see a MACO boy done good, Colonel.' Waving her hand she indicated the wider ship, 'heard Unicorn did well yesterday - was crucial to taking a fight to the Romulan raiders that got through our defenses. It speaks well about her Commanding Officer.' She extended her hand and continued in her warm contralto, 'Rachel Hunter, Rear Admiral as Guillermo was so kind to point out.'

Douglas stiffened slightly as he put his hands behind his back, but did not give voice to the emotion that puckered his face momentarily.

"A pleasure, Admiral Hunter. I'm looking forward to working with you as part of Task Force: Gamma"

———

“Lieutenant Whitford?”

The Yeoman approaches Whitford at his station.

“With Colonel McEntyre’s compliments, you are ordered to report to the Wardroom, ASAP”

'I'm not sure orders are complimentary Yeoman,' Whitford answered as he looked up from the Armory Office desk. 'They're generally obeyed,' he flashed a smile. 'Tell him I'll be right up now, double-time.' The Lieutenant wondered what this could be about. He'd noticed a flurry of activity earlier, and some of the Security officers under his department had requisitioned some ordinance per the Colonel's ordered and had merely remarked that 'the Brass' were incoming.

------

Getting up from his desk, Whitford briefly considered heading for a change of clothes before nixing it and trotting to the Wardroom. The sentries at the Wardroom door stood to attention when Whitford arrived, before one pulled out a communicator, flipping it open.

"Lieutenant Whitford, Sir"

The response came a moment later.

"Send him in." The Colonel replied to the sentry over the communicator before the sentry pressed the door button, the doors parting to the wardroom.

"They're expecting you, sir," The sentry said to Whitford.

'Thanks,' Whitford replied as he hit the door control. As he stepped through and saw the assembled flag officers, he resisted a double-take. Glancing about he saw the Colonel, and made a beeline towards him. 'You asked for me sir?' he asked as he leaned in towards his superior officer. 'Need rescuing from this lot?'

Josiah smiles, setting down his coffee cup and gestures to the two men across from him.

"Yes, L.T., I did. May I introduce you to Generals George Casey and Michael Rajakowksi, they're the heads of MACO."

Josiah then gestures to the blonde woman besides him.

"This is Lieutenant General Alyssa Duvall-Cain, Commander of MACO Special Operations Command. You might know her husband, Rear Admiral Duvall of the Shenandoah."

He then gestures to the two Starfleet officers.

"And this is Admiral Guillermo Douglas, Chief of Starfleet Operations and Rear Admiral Rachael Hunter, she's Commander of Starfleet Task Force Gamma, Unicorn's assigned fleet."

Whitford threw a crisp salute in return to the introduction. 'It's a pleasure to meet you all. I have to confess, I wasn't expecting a face to face with so many of the Brass this early in the tour.' He slipped into an at-ease position at Hunter's signal. He threw McEntyre a confused smile, 'not sure what you all need with an Armory Officer right now - I hope the Unicorn's shown the best of herself.'

"She has more than proven herself, Lieutenant." Douglas replied in a calm manner before he gestures for the Lieutenant to sit.

"Mr. Whitford. Commander Gunnar has asked to step down from Executive Officer and I have agreed with his request. He will still remain our Chief Science Officer, and resident technical expert. However this means that the position of Executive Officer is now empty and requires someone to fill that role."

Josiah begins before he leans back in his chair.

"Sub-Commander T'shir, despite being second officer aboard, is a active duty officer in the Vulcan Argosy. This makes her ineligible to be elevated to Executive Officer of a Earth Vessel."

Admiral Ve'lak continues on, in a stern yet logical manner.

"Doctor Coleman too, is also disqualified to serve as XO due to his status as a Restricted Line Officer."

Josiah adds before looking at Whitford.

'Me?' Whitford asked, bewildered for a moment. 'This is entirely unexpected - I'm only a Lieutenant. Never done more than a Duty shift in charge of the Bridge!'

"Then this will be the perfect opportunity to show your capabilities. Your 15 Years of Starfleet service has been nothing but training and armory assignments. In that time you have risen to the occasion more than once. You're also a capable trainer and leader."

Douglas took over again before Josiah finished the thought.

"I also find that in 15 years, you've never been offered a promotion to Commander. That's going to change."

Josiah stood, taking a small box from the admiral and coming over to Whitford.

"I have been authorized and so ordered, by Commander, Task Force Gamma, and by Chief of Starfleet Operations, as commanding officer of Unicorn, to promote you, Lieutenant Saul Whitford to Commander. As consequence of your new rank, you are requested and required to assume the post of Executive Officer, Unicorn NX-151. So signed: Admiral Guillermo Douglas, Chief of Starfleet Operations"

Josiah said as he takes the lieutenant bars from Whitford's uniform and applies the new Commander bars to his uniform.

"Congratulations, Commander!"

Puffing out his chest, and straightening, Whitford allowed a mix of pride and elation to cross his features, before he mastered his expression. Nodding, he saluted his superiors once more. 'Sirs ... It would be a lie to say that I haven't wanted this. I've given my life to serving Starfleet, and I would like to thank you for the opportunity, once again, to serve. Hopefully, I will be able to repay the faith you've shown in me today.'

"I have no doubt, Mr. Whitford. Now, come join us. We were discussing the Coridan situation and our role in the Coalition response to it."

Josiah smiles as he gestures to one of the empty leather arm chairs circling a small coffee table. Several other similar chairs and a large leather couch also circled the table. Josiah retakes his seat near to the MACO flag officers.

Nodding his understanding, Whitford took a seat next to hi Commanding Officer's right. Glancing up and down the table, he saw Douglas and Hunter take their seats slightly further up the table, near the senior-most Flag Officers present. For a moment, Whitford felt a little out of his depth, before deciding he would at least watch and listen before pitching in.

General Casy was the first to speak up.

“StratInt reports that a task force of at least 20 ships occupy Coridan space. Ground is occupied by Romulan Legions numbering at least 4000 men.”

“With this in mind, we’ve gathered 14 ships including Unicorn to make up Task Force Gamma with orders to take back Coridan and return it to its ruling government.”

Hunter continued on as the appointed Commander of Task Force Gamma.

“Mr. Whitford, I want you to coordinate tactical operations and ship deployments with the rest of the Task Force. We’re also escorting 5000 MACOs as part of 12th MACOs.”

Nodding, Whitford noted his orders, 'I assume all preparation has been made for equipping them?'

"They're being loaded onto a fleet of ten Hayes class Troopships as we speak"

Joisah nodded.

"Our job will be to see them to Coridan and lead the ground invasion. Admiral Hunter will be aboard as the fleet commander and has elected to take Unicorn as her flag."

'Are we talking a similar maneuver to what we were discussing for Berengia? Or are we looking at something more comprehensive?' Whitford motioned to the information now-downloaded to his PADD. 'We have more resources available to us for the Coridan operation - if I might be so bold, we could likely bombard them in to submission from orbit, then use the troops to sweep up the remains.'

"There is concern about the Dilithium detonating on the surface if we subject the planet to orbital bombardment."

Josiah spoke up as he looked over his PADD as well.

'Of course,' Whitford nodded, 'that makes sense - so we can't risk large-caliber fire aimed at the surface? What about the danger of causing a Romulan vessel to enter the atmosphere? Do we know whether they can?' He began keying enquiries into his PADD trying to seek out the answers as the Brass looked on.

"Intel believes that Romulan ships cannot enter atmo without suffering damage."

Cain replies to the questions.

"Saul, I have every confidence in your abilities to formulate a plan."

Josiah commented to the new commander, smiling softly and reassuringly.

'Thank you, Colonel,' Whitford said with a small smile, 'with the fleet heading out soon, we can butt our heads together and work through any kinks in our plans - we'll have a right go at it, sir.'

General Casey Stood.

"Then if there's nothing else, let's be about it. God Speed, Josiah, and to you Commander Whitford."

Douglas and Hunter got to their feet, Whitford following closely behind.

Douglas, his face grave leaned in towards the other officers present. 'This is some serious shit, people,' he said in a low voice. 'Don't mess it up.'

Whitford could only swallow, and nod. As he turned to leave the briefing, he felt the weight of his responsibilities settle over his shoulders like a particularly uncomfortable cloak. Deep in thought, he barely noticed being dismissed by the brass.

Josiah stayed for a bit, speaking with the MACO brass before they departed. This was it. The first stages of the war and he prayed that they would emerge victorious cause the alternative was too much to bare.

OFF:

Colonel Josiah McEntyre
Commanding Officer
Unicorn NX-151
MACO Special Operational Detachment - Alpha

Commander Saul Whitford
Chief Armoury and First Officer
Unicorn Nx-151

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